DeMar DeRozan - Chicago Bulls All-Star Game Playoffs 2023

DeMar DeRozan has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA over the past two seasons. He helped the Chicago Bulls regain their playoff spot and is a leading candidate for this year's All-Star Game.

This year's team may not be the best, but it is still far ahead of last year's Bulls squad. DeRozan looks like an all-Star candidate in the backcourt this year.

What is DeRozan’s role in the playoffs?

DeRozan has been one of the most impressive players on the Bulls this season and he is an All-Star candidate for the first time since his 2017-18 campaign with the Toronto Raptors. In 32 games this season, DeRozan has averaged 26.9 points, five rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 51% from behind the arc.

He's been a major factor in the Bulls' victories in each game he's played, scoring 30+ points in 12 of those contests. Additionally, he shot over 50% from the field eight out of his last nine games, including an amazing 61 percent shooting percentage against Portland.

DeRozan not only scores well, but he's an impressive playmaker as well. He leads the NBA in assists per game and ranks among its top passers.

His court vision is something to watch out for, as he can use his speed to help get the ball into his teammates' hands in transition. Running with teammates on the floor together is something that will be key in the playoffs as it gives Chicago's defense an edge against opposing teams.

Though it's impossible to predict DeRozan's playoff performance, one thing for certain is that he will do his best to lead the Bulls to victory. After all, he boasts more playoff experience than any other player on the team and has been an instrumental factor in their success this season.

In the opening round of the playoffs, the Chicago Bulls take on the Milwaukee Bucks and DeRozan must step up. While Milwaukee has been incredibly efficient this season, they've struggled against some of the league's most talented teams.

Though the Bucks have a slim chance of taking Chicago out of the playoffs for the first time in five years, it will be interesting to see how these two matchups play out, particularly since DeRozan has been an integral factor in both of Chicago's victories this season. It will be interesting to see how both teams respond when DeRozan comes into play against his former team.

What are the Bulls’ chances of making the playoffs?

As the NBA season comes to a close, many teams are gearing up for playoffs. As some of the East's top contenders make big moves at the trade deadline while others still need time to adjust, Chicago remains an intriguing team that fans should continue monitoring throughout the remainder of this year.

The Chicago Bulls began the season with a dismal record, but have made strides since. Currently at 45-36 and tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference, they remain several games out of the play-in tournament but could move closer with several wins during the remainder of the season.

Though the Bulls haven't made the playoffs in three seasons, they are on the rise under new head coach Billy Donovan. Their roster features talented young players like DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, while Donovan's offense has found its groove again by playing at a fast tempo and passing the ball well inside.

This combination of talent has propelled the Bulls' rise in the standings. At one point during the first half of this season, they were one of only five teams remaining in the league.

In the second half, they're now a top-10 team in the East and have won six of their last seven. The Bulls can potentially reach a title run this season and will be an exciting team to watch throughout the postseason.

They're an excellent pick to make the playoffs as they possess one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. Their lineup boasts players who can score at all levels, giving them a chance to beat any team in the postseason.

If the Bulls can win a championship, it will mark them as the most successful team in NBA history. Furthermore, they boast an experienced and depth bench that could help them prevail during playoff games.

Although oddsmakers aren't as confident as they were earlier in the season, Chicago still has a good shot at making the playoffs with an odds-on percentage of 14.7%.

What is DeRozan’s role in the postseason?

DeRozan, who has reached four Conference Finals in his NBA career, is an incredibly well-rounded player. He can score from any position on the court and is a skilled free-throw shooter with great range. Additionally, DeRozan makes great defense plays as well.

He has played in 58 playoff games throughout his career and averaged 21.9 points per contest. Despite that, he has never won a championship.

DeRozan was one of the premier players on a playoff team while with the Toronto Raptors, leading in scoring, assists and rebounds.

His court vision and playmaking ability were on full display without Kyle Lowry to lean on. With that, he became a more complete player.

The outcome was an impressive career year for him; he finished the year averaging 27.9 points per game on over 50 percent field goal shooting and 35 percent three-point shooting, plus 5 rebounds and 5 assists for an impressive total.

But the real test will come in the postseason. If the Bulls make it, how will they fare?

The Bulls have been a strong regular season team that has made some noise, but they are an undersized playoff squad. That means they won't be considered a heavy favorite and will need to play long and arduous series in order to take home the title.

Due to the loss of Zach LaVine, Chicago will need more reliance on DeRozan and his playmaking abilities in the playoffs than ever before. As DeRozan has shown before, this type of situation can be tricky but he believes he'll be able to lead his team into victory this season.

He has also participated in the Conference Finals as a member of Toronto Raptors team that reached this level during 2017-2018 season, but ultimately fell short against Los Angeles Lakers during the championship match.

DeRozan has made some missteps in the past, but he still has a chance to be an elite player and help the Chicago Bulls reach the championship in 2021-22. His shooting ability and ability to make clutch shots in the post give him plenty of options for the Bulls; that is why he is highly regarded and has been selected to five NBA All-Star Games.

What is DeRozan’s role in the Finals?

DeRozan is a veteran of the NBA All-Star Game Playoffs and his contributions have been instrumental in helping Chicago reach the Finals. As one of Chicago's surprise stars this season, DeRozan has shown he can step up when necessary and help lead his team to victory. With such an experienced squad at his disposal, DeRozan should continue leading this surprising Bulls squad into victory!

DeRozan not only scores well, but he plays with poise and confidence. He often gets to the rim quickly and finds teammates open for jumpers; further proof that DeRozan is one of the greatest shooters of his generation in postseason play.

His most memorable play this postseason came during the first round against Cleveland, when he scored 41 points and led his team to a series-winning win. Additionally, in Game 2 against Milwaukee he was the hero with four minutes left in regulation when he drilled a half-court lob to Delon Wright for an incredible 1-1 series lead.

He may not be the best shooter in the league, but he's an expert of mid-range shots that have been previously overlooked. Additionally, he is a skilled passer who has seen improvements to both accuracy and passing this season.

DeRozan was the cornerstone of Toronto's trade that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. His contributions enabled the Raptors to achieve success that otherwise might have been impossible, and without him they wouldn't be in the Finals today.

DeRozan, despite his age, remains a dominant force on the court and should remain an important part of this team's Finals run. He hasn't missed a game this season and can assume more leadership responsibilities during the playoffs.

On Wednesday night, James had an incredible performance in Game 2 of the series against Toronto. He scored 39 points and added six rebounds, four assists, and three steals to move past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second place on all-time postseason scoring list.

James' performance was pivotal to the Cavs' 2-0 series lead, but DeRozan still had something to prove in Game 2. He started slowly and only scored five points on 2-of-11 shooting during the loss.

LaVine Focuses on Playoff Push After All-Star Omission

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is determined to help his team make the playoffs this year, and won't let being overlooked for an All-Star selection change that determination.

LaVine admitted he hadn't been playing at an All-Star level to begin this season, so his exclusion didn't come as a shock to him. Instead, it reinforced his confidence in both his game and standing within the league.

1. LaVine’s Commitment to the Bulls

LaVine was left out of the All-Star Game this season, so he focused on aiding Chicago's playoff run. Even if he had to work through some hardships along the way, LaVine believed in their team's ability to make it, even if he himself had some struggles.

He was also able to instill confidence in both his teammates and himself. His ability to help Chicago win games has become a crucial element of their recent success.

As the Bulls enter their final five games of the regular season, they are one-half game away from being among the top five in the East and only two and a half behind first place in the Central Division. Though there is still work to be done, LaVine is determined that his team can still compete for playoff spots during these remaining five games.

LaVine has been an immense asset to the coaching staff this season, fitting perfectly into Billy Donovan's offense and helping the Bulls increase their 3-point shooting accuracy.

LaVine has yet to reach the All-Star level this season, but he is an incredibly talented player with great potential. That's why he agreed to sign a five-year, $215 million maximum contract with the Bulls this offseason.

The Bulls knew they needed to commit to LaVine if they wanted him on board with their long-term strategy. Furthermore, if they wanted to trade him, they needed to receive something in return.

Last offseason, the Bulls reiterated their dedication to keeping LaVine in Chicago. General manager Marc Eversley declared they would do whatever necessary to secure his future with them.

After that, they re-signed him to a five-year max contract this offseason, which proved to be the right decision for all parties involved.

He has been an outstanding asset to the Bulls and his commitment to the organization is evident. He will do whatever it takes for the team to reach its objectives.

If the Bulls are unable to re-sign LaVine, they can always trade him before Thursday's deadline. Reports indicate that teams such as New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks have all expressed an interest in acquiring him.

2. LaVine’s Resilience

Last season, some of the Bulls players were making headlines with their postseason run. Yet LaVine was focused on his team's success rather than individual accolades. In fact, he even went so far as to say that team goals were more important than individual ones.

Given this, it's understandable why he would be disappointed to hear about his exclusion from the All-Star Game this season. It's especially hard to take for someone who has been having his best season yet - averaging career highs in scoring, rebounds and steals while playing at an elite level.

LaVine hasn't wavered from his commitment to team success. In fact, he's been improving both his defensive effort and scoring more points when on the floor - leading the Bulls to score over 100 points six of their last eight games, while shooting better than 50 percent from three-point range. This success has allowed them to achieve significant victories this season.

LaVine has continued to hone his game and gain confidence in himself and his abilities as he puts on an impressive show for the Chicago Bulls in his first full season since signing a long-term deal last summer. LaVine believes that he can keep improving and reach new heights.

He's a two-time slam dunk champion and already one of the NBA's most lethal players. His shotmaking abilities could prove crucial for the Bulls during this postseason as they look for ways to make him even more effective.

However, for LaVine to make an impact in the playoffs this year, he needs to stay healthy. That is why it's crucial for him to get plenty of rest and focus on the right things during the offseason.

It's worth noting that LaVine was able to come back from a knee injury last season and lead the Bulls to their first winning season in four years, showing his remarkable tenacity. That proves his determination this season as he remains optimistic about helping the Bulls make another deep run in the playoffs this year.

3. LaVine’s Confidence

LaVine has been the sole constant in the Bulls' rotation this season, and his playoff push is essential to their continued success. But while his season has been successful, it's also been difficult for him. He's been a major factor in their injury struggles this year and has had to bear an increasing burden this campaign.

That's why it was so disappointing to see him left off the Eastern Conference All-Star team on Thursday. It's difficult to comprehend why he wasn't included on the roster, especially after being named to last year's All-Star game and leading Chicago into the playoffs this season.

LaVine has achieved career highs in scoring (25.1 points per game), assists (4.0), and rebounds (4.9). Furthermore, his rebounding and steal rates have also increased to career highs.

He's playing with more confidence than ever this season, which is essential to the Bulls' push into the playoffs. He's averaging more than 35 minutes of playing time per game - nearly three more minutes than his previous two seasons combined.

The team has also relied on him to keep Otto Porter and Wendell Carter healthy, so he's had his share of extra responsibilities this season. From slashing to playing off the ball in pick-and-roll situations, to setting up teammates for shots or attacking the basket, he has been asked to do it all.

His efficiency has decreased this season, a result of the offense the Bulls are running and the amount of three-pointers he's being asked to make. He currently ranks 42nd in player efficiency - lower than players like Danilo Gallinari and De'Aaron Fox.

LaVine has been working on his game in the offseason to improve his shot and reduce turnovers. While he's still far away from becoming a star, it is clear that he is making strides.

LaVine was recently excluded from the All-Star game, but is still focused on aiding Chicago's playoff push this season. As a first-time father and planning to travel somewhere warm during the All-Star break, LaVine has plenty of motivation to keep up the hard work required to help his team win now and in the future.

4. LaVine’s Determination

After being overlooked for an All-Star spot, LaVine was determined to put the past behind him and focus on helping the Bulls make a deep run in the playoffs. With Chicago sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference and just five games out of a playoff spot, he knew that if they were going to make an impactful run in this postseason, LaVine must play well.

LaVine has been playing at an incredibly high level lately, contributing to the Bulls' recent win streak. In these four wins, he has averaged 26.5 points on 53.3 percent shooting and been a major factor on defense. It's no wonder why LaVine has been such an outstanding asset for Chicago lately.

He's been an important factor in Chicago's passing game, averaging 3.3 assists per game and showing great flexibility to get open in the passing lanes. That versatility is becoming a huge asset for them as they look to improve their offense.

On defense, he's been especially assertive and has adopted a tactic of tagging players to disrupt their actions and create chances for teammates on the other end of the floor. This trend has benefitted Chicago's offense in general as they've been able to score on more shots than expected.

LaVine's determination has paid off as he has been playing at an unreal level in the second half of the season. While this is nothing new for him as he has always been an aggressive defender, this stretch of games has been particularly impressive as it suggests he's stepping up his offensive efforts in order to become even more effective during this stretch.

If the Bulls can keep playing as well as they have and produce consistent results, they'll remain an intimidating team to beat. And if LaVine can maintain his high level of play, he'll be a valuable asset to the Bulls for years to come.

He serves as an inspiring role model for young players and is an integral part of the Bulls' future. His dedication and resilience will serve him well throughout his tenure with the franchise.

Chicago Bulls Rumors: Team Talking Zach LaVine Trade With Knicks

With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Bulls have not ruled out a potential move. According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, they are in talks with the Knicks regarding a potential swap involving high-scoring wing Zach LaVine.

LaVine has struggled in his first season of a five-year, $215 million contract and isn't the superstar the Bulls expect him to be. Parting ways with him for picks would be an intelligent move.

The Knicks aren’t interested in Immanuel Quickley

This season, the Knicks have not been particularly interested in trading Immanuel Quickley; however, other teams continue to express interest. According to Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, teams such as the Bucks, Mavericks and Wizards have all reached out about Quickley; however they remain committed to their original asking price of a first-round pick.

Though Quickley has shown signs of improvement lately, his ability to put the ball in the basket still needs work. On Monday night against Milwaukee Bucks, he only scored 23 points but it was still an impressive performance considering he had to start without RJ Barrett due to injury.

It is true that he has had a difficult year shooting the basketball, but it's also important to remember this is just his first full season. If he can find his rhythm and shoot more accurately from three-point range, then he could become an asset for any team who wants a point guard, and any reasonable price should allow them to acquire him.

However, it's essential to remember that the Knicks won't part with Quickley unless they receive a star player in return. With limited draft capital at their disposal, moving on from him won't happen without something extraordinary coming along for the ride.

Furthermore, the Knicks possess other young players they could potentially trade at the trade deadline, such as Derrick Rose, Cam Reddish and Evan Fournier. Although these players aren't quite as valuable as Quickley, they could still be dealt for additional draft capital.

Though a trade is possible, it seems unlikely the Knicks would deal Quickley at this time. He has an extended contract and so the team must decide whether keeping him on board is worth keeping or not.

It's essential to remember that Quickley will be a restricted free agent in 2024, meaning the Knicks must decide if they want him on board or not. If they do, they have the option of extending his contract. While this could make the decision somewhat simpler for them, there still remains an important decision for them to make.

The Knicks aren’t interested in RJ Barrett

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett has been the subject of much anticipation this season, as he shows signs of being an NBA superstar. Unfortunately, Barrett has struggled to live up to expectations so far this season.

Last season, Barrett averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for the Knicks; however this season he has struggled to match that output. Although his field goal percentage has improved slightly this year, his true shooting percentage and other advanced stats remain virtually identical to what they were in 2013.

It's difficult to tell if Barrett is just going through a growth spurt or on the cusp of becoming an NBA superstar, but he needs to improve his overall production in order to be one of New York's top scorers. He possesses talent and can create his own shot, but it's essential that he also gets up close and makes things happen in the paint.

Although he's still very young, he has already blossomed into an athletic wing who can shoot from any position on the court. Furthermore, he's developed into a reliable perimeter defender - something essential for the Knicks to have in their lineup.

However, his career shooting percentage of just 35.2 percent from three-point range isn't good enough for a team looking to be competitive. That being said, he remains an exciting talent with the potential to be an All-Star.

If Barrett can blossom into a true All-Star, the Knicks might be able to build their team around him much like the Celtics did with Kevin Durant. Furthermore, if Barrett becomes an All-Star, other players could potentially join the fold as they strive to construct a championship contender.

Unfortunately for Barrett, he's not the type of player Utah Jazz general manager Danny Ainge is searching for in a trade with the New York Knicks. Reports indicate Ainge is seeking seven to eight first-round draft picks as part of any deal.

The Knicks aren’t interested in Derrick Rose

Rose hasn't played often for the Knicks this season, appearing only 26 games since being removed from the rotation. Nevertheless, he continues to be highly respected within the locker room and remains an essential member of their team.

Though the 34-year-old may not have the same talent as before, he can still play 15 minutes per game and offer veteran leadership. This is something the Knicks could use more of this season as they strive for improvement.

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and some teams are searching for a veteran point guard to help them reach the playoffs. One such player, Derrick Rose, has been on the market for some time now.

Teams interested in trading for Rose include the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings. Currently, Milwaukee sits second in the Eastern Conference with a 37-17 record, and they hope to make an even deeper run this season.

At 31-23, the Kings are in need of a point guard to partner with De'Aaron Fox. Signing Rose would give them an experienced depth player who has played in crucial moments.

Rose is a free agent this summer and would make an excellent addition to any team that can secure him on a reasonable contract. In the past, he's been an important contributor for the Bulls; however, injuries have taken their toll and his playing time has decreased significantly.

Other teams have expressed an interest in Rose, such as the Miami Heat who are reportedly concerned about Kyle Lowry's durability. Unfortunately, New York is currently not looking to trade for him at this time.

At present, the Knicks won't trade Rose at the NBA trade deadline if they can't do so without sacrificing too much of their young talent. Furthermore, Rose is not a star yet, meaning the Knicks would have to forgo his $21.3 million salary when he becomes free agent this summer.

The Knicks aren’t interested in Evan Fournier

The Knicks have decided against signing Evan Fournier due to a variety of reasons. While he's an impressive three-point shooter and will be free agent in 2023, his contract is too costly for them to move at this stage in the game, plus he hasn't been part of their rotation since November.

He's averaging just 6.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 33.3% from 3-point range - well below his career average of 7.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. It appears unlikely that he will return to New York's starting lineup anytime soon.

That is why the Knicks have been so reluctant to trade him. According to The Athletic's Fred Katz, they haven't even expressed an interest in attaching draft picks to him as compensation for releasing his contract, meaning the Frenchman could remain with them for the remainder of this season.

There have been several teams interested in trading for Cam Fournier, but that interest wasn't sufficient to make a deal work. For example, the Los Angeles Lakers expressed an interest in pairing Cam Reddish with Fournier but are unwilling to part with a first-round pick for the 23-year-old forward.

Furthermore, Fournier has been a non-factor on defense this season and it appears unlikely he will contribute much further for the Knicks in the future. His average of 16.7 minutes per game this year is far lower than his career high of 22.4 minutes per game, suggesting a diminished role going forward.

Therefore, it's unlikely that Fournier will be part of the Knicks long-term plans, especially with so many talented and young guards already in their rotation. Thus, it seems likely that there won't be much value added from Fournier at deadline.

On the other hand, much can happen in the next two weeks that could force Fournier into the trade market. Though his options are not particularly large, it would be worth exploring with playoff considerations in mind. Furthermore, New York could secure a top-five pick in the draft and use it as compensation for him.

Chicago Bulls Rumors: Team Taking Offers on Zach LaVine

Reports indicate the Bulls are considering trading high-scoring wing Zach LaVine. While earlier reports indicated Chicago wouldn't make any deals before the NBA trade deadline, it appears they may make an exception for a player they've been linked to in the past.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks fans may be shocked to know the team is considering making an offer on Zach LaVine. The Mavericks are in the market for a star player and believe 27-year-old is one of their top targets.

LaVine has had a difficult season this year despite signing a lucrative free agency deal last year. His struggles are mainly due to his offseason knee surgery, which he is still recovering from. Nonetheless, LaVine should find his groove again once he gets back into the swing of things.

The Mavericks could use a star alongside Luka Doncic to help them reach the playoffs. Adding LaVine would give them an offensively-driven and dynamic backcourt that could create mismatches on defense.

Doncic has been the cornerstone of Dallas' roster this season, averaging 33.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 21 games. If the Mavericks can close this deal, then they will have an unstoppable duo with seemingly limitless scoring range and basketball intelligence at their disposal.

Before the Mavericks can close a deal, they need to free up considerable salary from their books. Players such as Tim Hardaway Jr., Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans owe substantial sums of money; additionally Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith are expected to receive extensions this summer.

Without some draft picks and young players, it appears unlikely the Mavericks can successfully pursue a trade for an NBA superstar such as LaVine. That is because Dallas currently lacks draft picks and young talent while trying to build its roster in pursuit of becoming a title contender.

Other teams that may be interested in LaVine include the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. These organizations could potentially be more willing to make a deal for him than the Mavericks since they have an outside chance at winning an NBA championship this season.

Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers are considering offers on Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star who could help turn their team into a title contender. After Chicago Bulls failed to reach 14-19 this season, trade talk has been rampant; LA may make a major move if they can secure the best deal for the All-Star player.

Recently, NBC Sports' KC Johnson mentioned the Lakers, Mavericks, Hawks and Trail Blazers as four teams that have been reported to be interested in trading for star forward Justin Gasol. While he wasn't sure if the Bulls are open to selling him yet, he did speculate that they might consider doing a sign-and-trade deal.

LaVine, who is in the final year of his five-year max deal worth $215 million, has had an inconsistent start to 2022-23. Additionally, he has endured injuries throughout his career; most notably his left knee which has given him much difficulty this season.

Therefore, it is unclear how much value LaVine will command on the open market. However, his abilities make him a perfect fit for the Lakers' style of play; he can shoot three-pointers and create his own shots with ease.

Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for superstar-caliber players, and LaVine would be an enormous addition to their roster. His ability to score and assist, as well as his shooting stroke, will give them a significant advantage right away.

Another aspect that makes a LaVine deal attractive for the Los Angeles Lakers is his youth and potential peak performance. They have proven willing to part with their picks for superstar-level players, and LaVine would be an excellent addition to their already talented roster.

Ideally, LaVine would be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Russell Westbrook and two future first-round draft picks. That would meet their need for a scoring guard while giving them Westbrook and Anthony Davis' futures. Furthermore, they could add young talent like Cam Reddish or Immanuel Quickley to their already talented core.

New York Knicks

There has been speculation that the Chicago Bulls may be looking to trade All-Star guard Zach LaVine. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, both parties have begun discussing a potential deal for the two-time All-Star.

The Knicks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA this season, boasting an eight-game winning streak. But they remain a few steps away from becoming true championship contenders. To move closer to that goal, they need to add a top-tier star.

Thankfully, the team still has options if they decide to make a major move at the deadline. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported earlier this week that the Knicks are keeping their options open in case they want to make an announcement at the deadline and could potentially take on Zach LaVine if he requests to be traded.

Furthermore, the Knicks boast an extensive library of first-round picks and midlevel tradable contracts that could potentially be utilized to secure a superstar. That being said, paying top dollar for someone like LaVine may prove too much.

However, a trade for LaVine would be beneficial to both sides in the long run, as he's likely to bring back multiple draft picks and young talent in exchange. Furthermore, his salary would be at least $43 million per year - not much more than what top-tier players make on average in the NBA.

Though LaVine's contract may not be ideal for the New York Knicks, he is an impressive talent who could provide a significant upgrade over Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier. Pairing LaVine with Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson would provide plenty of offensive firepower to help the Knicks reach their goal of making an impressive playoff run this season. With all three in tow, LaVine could help the Knicks reach that level of play that they desire.

Boston Celtics

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Boston Celtics are reportedly considering offers for Zach LaVine. Should Bradley Beal opt out of his player option next offseason, LaVine would become their top free-agent target.

With LaVine looking to take his career to the next level this season, Boston could make a move that accommodates his desire for victory and the chance to play with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That could be beneficial for both sides; however, it would come at the cost of losing their star player.

LaVine had a difficult start to the season, and his teammates weren't particularly impressed either. They felt that he had been too inconsistent and had missed too many shots early on.

Now, however, he's back on track and hitting some of his most efficient shooting numbers in career. Over the past 23 games, he has averaged 26.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 55% shooting percentage.

Chicago has won 12 of its last 18 games and sits just one game out of the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. If they can stay healthy through the remainder of this year, and if LaVine continues his impressive play, this team could very well be a real threat for making an deep run in the playoffs this year.

If that happens, Boston would likely make a major announcement. After all, if they can lure a star guard with an extensive history and high salary to their historic home court, they'll have something few teams in the league possess: a franchise player.

Furthermore, if the Celtics can lock up Smart to a four-year, $78 million contract, that would be more than double his summer offer of $38 million. And with cap restrictions as they are, that's an impressive sum to give him when both Mavericks and Hawks have ample room to offer something suitable.